• Impactful Advocacy. IFB launched a Farm Bill Working Group. Please consider applying through your county Farm Bureau. IFB helped negotiate protections for landowners in a bill that expands electric co-ops' ability to install broadband. Illinois Farm Bureau leaders took part in American Farm Bureau Federation's recent fly-in in Washington, D.C., where the group met with Illinois' congressional delegation. IFB Director of National Legislation Ryan Whitehouse gave a national policy update. A judge has rejected Deere & Co.’s effort to end a right-to-repair lawsuit. 

• Trusted Information. IFB CropWatchers are reporting crop conditions across the state. A University of Illinois study quantifies crop rotation benefits and tradeoffs. Middle East tensions have reignited concerns about ag input flows. Check out the inspiring high school students who were named IFB Actively Engaged Students of the Month during the 2024-25 school year. Former District 8 Director Richard Carroll, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer after a screening at last year’s IFB Annual meeting, is cancer free. 

• Meaningful Development. IFB’s Summer Ag Tour visited Mason and Menard counties. IFB and the Illinois Press Foundation announced that 26 high schools will receive more than $35,000 in journalism grants. Check out the IFB Young Leaders’ Facebook page for updates on the Illinois FFA Premier Chapter Award Tour. The 29th annual Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom golf outing, hosted by the IAA Foundation, raised $36,000 for ag literacy - Check out the photos here.  COUNTRY Financial donated $20,000 to IFB’s Rural Development Grant Program.  

Upcoming events 

• AgTech Innovation Showcase – July 16, Champaign 

• Presidents Conference – July 21-22, Normal

• IFB Member Appreciation Event – NASCAR, Sept. 7